Fundraising Through a Government Shutdown: What to Say, What to Do, and What Actually Matters

We are in a government shutdown.

And even before this, nonprofits across the country were already experiencing unprecedented cuts to Federal funding.

So the urgent question flying around in boardrooms, staff meetings, and late-night text chains is:

“What do we do?! How will this affect us?”

That’s natural. A shutdown feels like a crisis. Funding cuts feel like a threat. The instinct is to look inward: to our budgets, our payroll, our programs.

But here’s the challenge — and the opportunity: the better question is actually,“What does this mean for our donors?”

Because donors aren’t watching your line items. They’re watching how you show up when times are hard.

They're watching - closely - how their values, beliefs, and identities will be affected.

And the truth is: shutdowns and cuts don’t have to derail your fundraising.

The key is clarity, consistency, and truth-telling.

1. Confirm What’s Real

Before you communicate anything externally, get clear internally:

• Are you directly affected by a loss or delay of government funds?

• If so, what does that mean for your mission and the people you serve?

• What’s the real impact right now?

The ever-brilliant and encouraging Lisa Sargent says: “Say the truest thing you can.” (I'm convinced that when Mr. Rogers said "Look for the helpers" he had Lisa in mind.)

Fear can motivate. Scarcity can motivate. But so can resilience, stability, and strength.

More often than not, donors respond best to an unwavering focus on your identity- and values-driven mission.

2. Messaging Matters

It’s tempting to say: “Government cut us, so you need to make up the difference.”

But that puts donors in the role of emergency backfill — not partners in your mission.

A better frame:“Despite cuts and shutdowns, our mission continues. We’re resilient, and we remain steady because of supporters like you.”

This shifts the focus from your fear to their impact.

3. Prepare for Donor Conversations

Donors may ask: “Are you affected by the shutdown and funding cuts?”

Be ready with a clear and confident response:

• If you are impacted: “Yes. Here’s what the cuts mean, here’s how we’ve prepared, and here’s why your support matters more than ever.”

• If you’re not directly impacted: “We’re monitoring closely, and regardless of what happens in DC, our mission and services continue because of the generosity of our community.”

Clarity builds trust.

4. Stay Consistent in Strategy

Shutdowns and budget cuts dominate headlines. That’s exactly why it’s critical to stay consistent with your communications.

• Keep sending your letters.

• Keep emailing your donors.

• Keep calling and thanking.

Consistency shows stability — and donors want to invest in stability.

This also offers major donors an opportunity to lead. Do you have a core group of donors who could tell their stories of why they support you and why it's important now? When others in the community see people like them continuing to rally behind the cause, they'll join in. Do not underestimate the most powerful words in an ask: "I'm asking you to join me in supporting this cause, because . . . " Being able to position your stories, asks, letters, and conversations from someone who is already giving and showing support is a powerful motivator. And, no, it doesn't need to be a celebrity or a name - it needs to be someone the reader or donor can respond and relate to.

5. Stewardship as Stability

Donors don’t want to be reminded of instability — they want to be reminded of the stability they create.

Tell them: “You are the constant. You are the reason we keep going in uncertain times.”

Because that’s the real truth.

The Only Thing We Have to Fear . . .

In times of uncertainty, it’s easy to let fear dictate the questions we ask. But the shift from “what does this mean for us?”  to “what does this mean for our donors?”  - and even more importantly, what does this mean for our community and beneficiaries - changes everything.

Say the truest thing you can. Stay steady. Stay consistent.

Your donor relationships are what last.

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We help nonprofits raise more money with less stress by aligning strategy, systems, and story. It’s where the science and heart of fundraising converge.